Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre, named in his honor, while also attending a commemorative sitting at the legislative chambers to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy.
Before the inauguration, President Tinubu briefly joined lawmakers for the special sitting in Abuja, where he delivered extemporaneous remarks expressing gratitude and underscoring the significance of sustaining democratic institutions.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian I say congratulations on 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I have come to say thank you very much for building up this institution to this level. You are the foremost leaders who speak for our people and have been at the forefront of this struggle,” President Tinubu stated.
Referring to the National Assembly as a “hallowed chamber” embodying the nation’s consciousness for freedom and solidarity, the President emphasized the need for collaboration between the executive and legislative branches. “Without this House, I probably would not have found a path to the presidency, I started it all from here. That is why I have given that respect to you this morning to continue to collaborate with you to build our country together. We have no other choice. No other institution or personality will help us, except we do it ourselves for ourselves.”
Earlier on Wednesday, President Tinubu had signed the National Anthem Bill of 2024 into law at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, reverting the country to its previous anthem. During the sitting, he referenced the new lyrics, saying, “You sang out the latest national anthem, ‘Nigeria we hail thee’. This is our diversity, representing all people and how we pledge together to be brothers and sisters.”
The President also highlighted the importance of nurturing democracy for future generations, stating, “No amount of aid from foreign countries can help us. Let us work together to build our nation, charting a new path. We must nurture our democracy so that our children and great grandchildren will be assured of prosperity, progress, and development.”
In his remarks in Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for honoring the National Assembly, calling his visit a “waka pass” – a brief stopover before the main Democracy Day celebrations on June 12. “Before you arrived, Mr. President, the Speaker and I had explained to the lawmakers that this visit is what is called ‘waka pass’ in Nollywood. You intend to celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, but out of honour and respect for the National Assembly you said you must pass through the National Assembly on your first anniversary,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio also praised Tinubu for reverting to the old national anthem, stating, “Though we may belong to different tribes, though we have different tongues, in brotherhood we stand. There is no more fitting place to take us back to our genealogy other than the National Assembly, which is made up of patriotic and elected citizens of Nigeria. The voice of the National Assembly is the voice of Nigeria, so we welcome you.”
The inauguration of the National Assembly Library and Resource Centre in Abuja, along with President Tinubu’s attendance at the commemorative sitting, underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering cooperation between the branches of government.
